The 10th Session of the Zambia-South Africa Joint Defence Committee Meeting has officially opened in Pretoria, South Africa.

Speaking during the official opening, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Norman Chipakupaku says Zambia and South Africa enjoy warm and excellent relations as evidenced by the positive outcomes of many collaborations between the two countries.

ZANIS reports that Mr Chipakupaku said the 10th session of the Joint Defence Committee which is currently on-going, is further evidence of the long standing friendship.

Mr Chipakupaku added that Zambia is committed to cementing mutual relations through various instruments such as Memoranda of Understanding and other implementation agreements signed between the two countries.

 “We are grateful to the South African Defence force for the invaluable support being provided to the Zambian Defence Forces, including facilitation of passage of defence and public goods,” he said.

He further said Zambia remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the country by providing support towards government programmes aimed at addressing the plight of its citizens.

Mr Chipakupaku said at regional level, Zambia remains committed to supporting a common position on matters affecting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

He said this is why Zambia has continued to complement regional efforts towards restoring stability in countries such as Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

And South Africa Acting Secretary for Defence, Thobekile Gamede said the defence security agreement between the two countries dates back to many years.

Dr Gamede said the meeting calls for the two countries to ensure that they remain stable and peaceful.

He noted that the meeting therefore avails an opportunity for the two countries to take stock of the work and challenges they are faced with.